New marine workshop building at a historic Gosport waterfront site recommended for approval

Plans for a new marine workshop building at a historic Gosport waterfront site have been recommended for approval.

The proposed development at Victoria Quay, within Royal Clarence Yard, would see the construction of a new 1,400sqm building to support boat repair and maintenance operations.

According to planning documents submitted to Gosport Borough Council, the building would include several boat bays designed for specific vessels, along with three workshop spaces and staff facilities.

The new structure would sit within the wider Victoria Quay site, which is currently home to “a range of marine-related uses”, including boat repairs, storage and pontoons extending into the harbour.

However, if approved, no additional parking will be provided, and there will be a shortage of around 10 spaces. The applicant Ben Mason said this is due to the “constrained nature” of the site.

The plans state: “The site itself projects further into the harbour than neighbouring land to the north and south, forming a prominent part of the waterfront.”

In the plans, Mr Mason said that the proposed building has been designed as a “sensitive and considered architectural response”, adding that it would provide a high-quality facility suited to modern marine operations.

The building has been positioned close to the southern boundary to allow space for boats to manoeuvre next to the slipway. A gap of at least two metres will be kept between the new building and neighbouring buildings to the north to allow for construction and future maintenance.

The plans detail that the scheme would support the continued use of the site for maritime purposes, contributing to the marine economy while respecting the site’s heritage.

The documents said: “Royal Clarence Yard has a long and significant naval history, having been established between 1828 and 1832 as a purpose-built victualling yard supplying food and provisions to the Royal Navy.

“The site was expanded and remodelled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but suffered extensive damage during air raids in the Second World War, which destroyed many of its original buildings.

“Following the war, new structures were added, and the yard continued to operate as a major naval supplier until its closure in 1991.

“Today, the wider site has been redeveloped for a mix of uses, including marine industries, while retaining its historic character.”

The application is recommended for approval, with a decision to be made by Gosport Borough Council on June 3